Near record traffic expected: be careful out there this Memorial Day

A lot of people will be driving today, returning after a long holiday weekend.

The message from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety: plan ahead, buckle up, and pay attention.

Administrator Fred Zwonechek says inattention is the real problem.

“Yes, unfortunately it is,” Zwonechek tells Nebraska Radio Network. “As many people tell me, they think that the distracted driving issue is getting worse daily.”

Zwonechek says those who text and drive are as impaired as drunk drivers.

“The people that text and drive, it’s as dangerous as somebody that is .08 or higher blood alcohol concentration and people who think they’re good at it, they’re not. They’re delusional if they believe that. They’re certainly putting others at risk, including themselves,” according to Zwonechek

Triple A expects a near record number of motorists on the road today, perhaps as many as 34 million.